Assume

to assume is to take for granted or to presuppose. Critical thinkers can and do make their assumptions explicit assess them and correct them. Assumptions can vary from the mundane to the problematic: I heard a scratch at the door. I got up to let the cat in. I assumed that only the cat makes that noise and that he makes it only when he wants to be let in. Someone speaks gruffly to me. I feel guilty and hurt. I assume he is angry at me that he is only angry at me when I do something bad and that if he's angry at me he dislikes me. Notice that people often equate making assumptions with making false assumptions.

When people say 'Don't assume' this is what they mean. In fact we cannot avoid making assumptions and some are justifiable. (For instance we have assumed that people who buy this book can read English.) Rather than saying 'Never assume' we say 'Be aware of and careful about the assumptions you make and be ready to examine and critique them.' See assumption elements of thought.